Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 TheLoneCleric Feb 23, 2009 15:28:53	Where do you see the 4 undeveloped Power Sources coming into your game. The addage goes, just because it's out there doesn't mean Players get to mess with it. So what works and what doesn't work thematically for you in your games? How do you think they'll be presented in the 'All is Core' ideology of the upcoming books. How would you present Psionic say, for inclusing in a setting that isn't Eberron or Dark Sun? What about Ki, because of it's obvious connections to Asian themes and storytelling? Just kicking around theories as to how they can be used, if they'll be used universally, or how Wizards will present them for usability.
#2 tehsquirrely Feb 23, 2009 15:43:21	As far as I see Ki's original inspiration doesn't have to have anything to do with how it plays out. I see Ki power as being almost like martial power, except instead of just training the body as martial does a ki wielder also trains their soul. Psionics fit fairly well into most game worlds, even those that aren't ebberon or dark sun (although those are great campaign settings for a psionic themed campaign).
#3 Belorin Feb 23, 2009 15:53:04	Hmmm, let me see. Elemental: I will have to see what all is included in the power source first, but I'm probably going to include it in the game. Ki: Wasn't really impressed with previous editions oriental classes, but I'm willing to give it a chance once I see the classes. Psionic: Have never played or had a request to play a psionic class yet, see no reason to change. Shadow: Looking forward to this, I have players with shadowdancers, illusionists and necromancers or reasonable facsimiles thereof that they want to play. Bel
#4 MatthiasKaiser Feb 23, 2009 16:01:22	Psionics will no doubt be included in my games, now that there's not going to be a separate subsystem. I expect it will also be less inherently sci-fi themed in 4E. Shadow will likely see some play, one way or another. Ki... it really, really depends on the implementation. Elemental is a mystery, at this point.
#5 zeratulcraft Feb 23, 2009 16:06:25	I include everything, with a slight reflavour, everything fits! Plus, didn't you ever get excluded from anything? Think about the poor Power Sources.
#6 sigil_beguiler Feb 23, 2009 18:16:45	Psionics: It will be well Psionics. I will be amping up all the Pseudoscience I can. I am really hoping they keep the Pseudoscience terms and such for Psionics. I always love mixing genres so Sci-Fi/Modern Supernatural with Fantasy is always great for me. Ki: I can't say right now for sure. It depends on how they handle it. If they focus on it being "asian power" probably will emphasize it being a simply supernatural power. If more soul oriented then it will be soul oriented. Shadow: I am thinking of it being a counter-point to Primal. While Primal for the most part works beside and with its spirits I am imagining Shadow is more forceful. So its abuse of spirits, the undead, etc. Elemental: I dunno, I have to admit Elemental magic isn't that interesting for me. It will probably be one that is very loose and its source may vary for each different person. So for example a ice/cold focused guy could be someone who works with Spirits of Winter.
#7 ultimatecalibur Feb 23, 2009 18:26:26	Considering we know little to nothing about these power sources it is very difficult to accurately guess what themes each of these power sources will have.
#8 Steely_Dan Feb 24, 2009 3:40:37	I did read that Psionics will have a lot of enchantment/charm type powers.
#9 Alex_ Feb 24, 2009 11:11:20	Yeah, they specifically mentioned not giving the Wizard so many mind affecting abilities because they wanted to make Psionics feel more distinct. I'm thinking lots more illusions, fear effects, etc. Mindflayers, Aboleths, and Gith give us some examples as to how they view Psionic creatures. Shadow should be easy enough. We have Drow, Shadar-Kai, the Shadow Pact Warlock, and a couple of Shadow based paragon paths and Monsters. Lots of necrotic and cold damage, powers that obscure line of sight, summons (undead, shadows, etc), teleportation, and going insubstantial. Elemental stuff tends to be about mutability and raw, unchecked, destruction and rebirth. The elemental creatures tend to have a dizzying number of status effects and ongoing damage associated with their elemental attacks. Don't recall seeing anything on which I could base Ki.
#10 TheLoneCleric Feb 24, 2009 11:19:17	Okay. Here's a little thought experiment. If you pick a setting. What iconic class do you think should go along with that setting? You may list 2 per setting. Ravenloft - Medium (Shadow), Much like the Shaman, but more geared toward Controller effects as you call upon the power of dead allies for strength. Monster Hunter (Ranger Build/Martial), The classic tactic for any situation combined with a Ranger's ability to move fast and hit hard. You?
#11 Alex_ Feb 24, 2009 11:32:12	Okay. Here's a little thought experiment. If you pick a setting. What iconic class do you think should go along with that setting? You may list 2 per setting. Ravenloft - Medium (Shadow), Much like the Shaman, but more geared toward Controller effects as you call upon the power of dead allies for strength. Monster Hunter (Ranger Build/Martial), The classic tactic for any situation combined with a Ranger's ability to move fast and hit hard. You? I doubt it's going to turn out like this. The power sources so far have not been based on different settings/cultures/regions. I don't see a reason to start now.
#12 wizardmon Feb 24, 2009 11:39:23	The way one of the designers talked about 2+ is that in a way that made that designer feel that the new books allowed for "new stories." I think this is an interesting idea. Just like races are less main-stream in PH2+, so too are the power-sources. And I kind of like that. "Advanced" rules, "advanced" classes and races, "advanced" stories. Specificly, by power source: Ki- Looking way forward to it. Can't wait to be able to have Lord of the Rings characters to be able to fight side-by-side (and remain balanced with) Soul Calibur characters. Shadow- Honestly, meh. I wish it were arcane. But no doubt, it will be exciting and interesting in its own way. Psi- Very excited. I am a big proponent of incorporating traditionally non-fantasy elements into fantasy (like Ki). As such, I feel Psi will be able to have a very unique story to it, especially after the 4e story designers get done with it! Elemental- ... I have no idea. If there was some way to play a hero aligned to one of the classical elements, that would be amazing. However, IDK if there is really much reason to have that. If Elemental : primordials :: Divine : gods, then I definately have my reservations about it. But I will wait to cast judgment on it.